Banjolele
The Banjolele: The Best of Both Worlds
The banjolele, sometimes called a banjo ukulele, or banjo uke is a unique instrument that combines the best of both worlds. It’s a similar size to a ukulele and is played the same way, but it has the sound and volume of a banjo.
Banjolele Tuning
The standard banjolele tuning is exactly the same as a ukulele, GCEA. There is an alternate common tuning available for the banjolele if you like a challenge, ADF#B. This alternate tuning gives you more options for playing music because you can either tune your banjolele to GCEA or try the ADF#B tuning.
The banjolele also has four strings like the ukulele which you can pick or strum using your fingers, or a pick if you desire. The banjolele is one instrument where size does matter because it sounds better with bigger body sizes than smaller ones!
Banjolele Chords
People ask are Banjolele and Ukulele chords the same? If your banjolele is tuned to the standard tuning GCEA then the chords and chord shapes you play are the same as ukulele chords. This means if you already play ukulele or are learning, you can also pick up a banjolele and play it.
Banjolele Songs
You can of course play any song on the banjolele, however some songs are really suited to the instruments unique sound, for example – Oh Suzanna, Wagon wheel, Ain’t she sweet, You are my sunshine, Bound for south Australia etc. Just experiment and have fun.
Best of all, the banjolele’s sound is very distinct and rarely sounds like a ukulele. For this reason you can use it to add an unexpected twist to your music where needed!
If you play as part of a group the banjolele can add a new dimension to your sound. It is also very versatile and sounds great when played solo too! It’s a fun instrument to play with its own unique quality that makes it stand out from other stringed instruments.No matter what style of music you like playing, there is always room for the unique sound produced by this little instrument.
The body of the instrument, called the drum head is where the obvious difference lies, as it resembles a banjo and is constructed in the same way as a banjo with a skin (synthetic these days) held in place by a metal ring, or tension ring.
The tension ring is adjusted by screw hooks that attach to the body. 
Adjusting the screws causes the ring to increase or decrease the tension on the skin making it drum like giving the instrument that distinctive sound. Subtle adjustments to the tension will give a mellow or brighter sound depending on the players preference.
The drum head can be open backed, closed backed or resonator style. Open back will sound quieter as the sound coming from the back of the instrument is largely absorbed by the players body and clothing. A resonator back redirects the sound forwards towards the listener or audience, and this will produce a much louder sound
Unlike other ukuleles that have fixed bridges, the banjolele has a floating bridge that sits on the skin and is held in place by the tension of the strings, and to a lesser degree the tension of the skin. Modern instruments usually have nylon strings with some having a wound third string.
Summary
The banjolele has the sound and volume of a banjo but is smaller and lighter. It is tuned and played exactly the same as a soprano, concert or tenor ukulele. So if you already play ukulele you can play a banjolele, but have that unique sound. There is also the option of the alternative tuning if you wish.
If you are thinking of buying a banjolele I can recommend the Aklot Concert Banjolele. It is well made, has a quality finish and is easy to play. It is also exceptionally good value for money. See further details below.
Best Beginners Banjolele
The AKLOT Concert Banjolele
The AKLOT concert Banjolele is a great instrument for beginners and more advanced players.
This entry level banjolele is well made and has a quality finish. It has a maple fingerboard and geared tuners. The Remo drum skin head produces a bright Appalachian mountain kind of sound that you will love to hear every time you play.
The instrument has a warm, round tone that’s great for, but not limited to playing Bluegrass and folk music.
The action can be adjusted to suit the individual player but seems fine out of the box.
This instrument is nice to play and will give you hours of fun.
The AKLOT concert Banjolele comes with a clip on tuner, picks, strap, wrench, cleaning cloth and gig bag, plus a pre cut ruler to make positioning the floating bridge easy to set up. This package at the current price is great value for money …. you just can’t go wrong!
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George Formby
The instrument achieved its greatest popularity in the 1920s and 1930s due in no small part to the skill and work of British entertainer George Formby, who became a household name for his comedy songs and unique style of playing. George Formby remains the most well known name associated with the ukulele to this day.